by Kara Griffin
Friar Hemm returned, wiping his brow as he walked toward them. “Your lady was taken to a chamber. I’ve never seen such a distraught lass in all my days.”
“What lass do ye speak of?” James asked.
“My wife.” Graeme wouldn’t elaborate for he’d have to explain Kerrigan and the least James knew of her the better. He had to have hope James wouldn’t mention Moray’s ward for he would want to take her and Graeme wasn’t sure what he would do. He wasn’t about to give her to the Bruce, likely to never lay eyes on her again.
“Ah and why is she distraught? Being wed to ye troubling her heart?” James chuckled.
“She saw Comyn’s mistress take her life.”
“Damn me.” James sighed and sat back in his chair.
Friar Hemm cleared his throat. “I’ll bid ye to watch your tongue, James Douglas. Ye are inside a place of holiness, God’s own home.”
James retrieved a hefty pouch and tossed it to the friar. “For my penance. I beg your pardon, Friar, pray for my soul. Lord knows I could use saving.” To Graeme, he said, “I didn’t ken ye married. Who is she?”
“Just a lass from the village.”
Friar Hemm glared. “Just a lass? Nay, she is a gentle lady. Why would you demean Mistress Kerrigan?”
“I meant no affront, Friar. Rest easy.” Graeme was thankful the monk came with a tray of foodstuff and drink, and diverted their attention. Relieved, he suspected James didn’t know Moray’s ward’s name for he didn’t react to hearing Kerrigan’s name. Graeme sipped his wine and remained silent.
By the time James ate and drank his fill, it neared dawn. The abbey’s windows brightened with morning light. Hours trickled by slowly and Graeme was impatient to see Kerrigan. Yet he couldn’t leave without knowing James went to take care of matter. Once his comrade was on his way, they’d wait for word and eventually James would return, and then he and Kerrigan could meet up with Brodin, Heath and Liam. That was if everything went to plan.
Graeme walked with James to the stables. “Send word when ye can and I will have the nurse ready for the journey. I’ll ask if she is willing to travel with him so you won’t have to trouble yourself with the bairn.”
“Make certain of it. The last time I was in the presence of a bairn was when I was one myself.” James laughed, slapped him on his back, and mounted his horse. “Until we meet again.”
Graeme waited until James rode from the abbey and went to check on Kerrigan. She slept, and he didn’t awaken her. He’d gotten no sleep yet wasn’t tired. The monks broke their fast, and he was bid to join them. The men spoke quietly during their morning meal and he said little, and only ate until he mollified his stomach.
Early light softened the shadows around the abbey and Graeme decided to get air. With all their troubles, he wanted to reason a plan should any of the plots go awry. He paced around the confines at least four times when he saw a rider approach. At first he thought James returned, but it was too soon for he’d only just left.
The rider reached the stables and Graeme met the messenger there. A monk approached him and took the message from the lad. Upon closer inspection, he noticed the lad wore a tartan which resembled his but he didn’t recognize him.
The monk stepped forward and told the lad to stay where he was, and bid him to take the message. Graeme tilted his head, unsure why he’d hand him the message.
“I was told by men I met whilst traveling you would be here at the abbey,” the lad said without any hint of shyness. “They said you’d trust me not and to tell you they are your comrades.”
Graeme quickly undid the wax seal and opened the missive. He hastily read it and with each word his chest tightened. “Who sent this?”
The lad shoved past the monk and stood beside him. “I was sent by the Camerons. Your mother sent it.”
Chapter SEVENTEEN
He read the two lines hastily again and then again. His mother’s hand scrawled the worst news imaginable.
Your father is dying.
Come at once.
Graeme folded the parchment and tucked it inside his tunic. He stood by the one window in the chamber Kerrigan was taken to. She continued to slumber well past noon, and he was undecided to wake her for she needed rest. And yet, he was impatient to tell her of his news. He sat beside her and faced the wall to the side, dejected that he’d leave her.
“I wish you’d awaken, lass, for I have the most distressing news. I ken you are troubled and I hate to speak of more woe.”
Kerrigan rolled to her side and touched his back. “What troubles you, Graeme?”
“Did I wake you? I’m sorry, lass.”
“Nay, I was lying here thinking.” Kerrigan placed a hand on his knee. “I feel much better.”
“I fear I might make you angry, but it cannot be helped.”
She shuffled to sit next to him. “I’ve been caught in my own grief when you’re here obviously suffering. I promise I am better. Friar Hemm helped and I’m not as distressed about Galyn. Please tell me what’s bothering you.”
He sighed and turned to look into her eyes. They were clear and fastened on him. Graeme leaned forward and kissed her head. “I sent a messenger to the Comyn family to enquire if they will trade Moray’s son for their kin.”
She remained silent.
Graeme felt her stiffen, and he continued, “I know what your friend meant to you, but we must send the bairn to his family. Moray’s son is kept in the Comyn’s keep. If we are to honor your promise to Laird Andrew, we must barter with them. They will want their son’s bairn. If they agree, my comrade will see to his safe journey.”
“I shall go with him.”
“Nay.” Graeme was firm in his resolve and he wouldn’t be swayed. If she went with the bairn or Moray’s son, she’d be lost to him forever. He wasn’t about to let her go, especially to the Comyn clan. “I’d be dangerous, lass, and besides, you’re my wife. I cannot allow ye to go off to their land without my protection.”
Kerrigan shook her head. “I can take care of myself, Graeme, and I vowed to look after Galyn’s son. If I went along, I could ensure he’s in good hands. What if they reject him or worse do something dreadful to him? I would never forgive myself for that.”
He took her arms and held her close. “You are not responsible for him. Besides, I received troubling news from my family and I need ye to go with me.” Graeme wasn’t going to have her travel home with him, but with her obvious appeal to travel with the bairn, he had no choice.
“Where are you going? And what is this troubling news?”
Graeme pulled her closer and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. He didn’t like being vulnerable, but he was just that for he promised he wouldn’t set foot on his clan’s land until his service to the Bruce ended. But there was no help for it, he had to go.
“Graeme, tell me. What troubles you?” Kerrigan pulled back and held his face.
He closed his eyes against the gentle caress of her hands. “My father is dying.”
They sat silently for a few moments and then she hugged him close. “I am sorry. You want me to travel with you?”
“Aye. It will be dangerous for we must travel through hostile clan territory. I will not leave you behind. I cannot have ye going with the bairn, you understand?”
“I do. Will he be safe with your comrade? Can we trust the Comyns not to harm him?”
“I wish I could tell you aye, but I ken not. We must hold hope he’ll be well and my comrade will make certain he is safe. He’ll threaten the Comyns if they do him harm, but I doubt once they grasp he’s their son’s child they’d do harm to him. I mean to ask Philippa to stay with him until he is settled.”
“What of your family? Will it be safe for you to return? I remember you telling me about your service. Have ye more than two years remaining?”
“I do. I must go. My clan may not be agreeable about my return, but I shall see my father and then return to fulfill my vow.”
“When do we leave?”<
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Graeme continued to hold her for if he had his wish, he wouldn’t have to travel home. The journey would be ripe with tension especially because they would have to travel past her homeland which the MacDoughalls now occupied. He decided to keep that information to himself and not upset her further.
“This day. Are you well enough to travel? I cannot delay.”
“I understand, Graeme. I will ready now and meet you by the horses.”
He released her and hastened to explain his departure to the friar. Friar Hemm sat at his tables with a large amount of parchments scattered about. Three candles lit the words and yet the friar used a glass to better view the writs. After he provided the details, Graeme gave permission for James to take the bairn and nurse if he received an agreement from the Comyns.
“I will pray for you and your wife, my lord. I know your journey will not be easy both bodily and ardently. Stay safe and well. God be with you.” The friar clasped his arm, and returned to his parchments.
Graeme reached the stables and secured his baggage to his horse and readied for their trek. The friar gave him a sack of foodstuff sent by a monk which he tied onto the saddle. Kerrigan handed over a small satchel of her possessions.
“I asked one of the monks to explain what happened to Philippa, and that the bairn may be journeying to his family. She agreed to go with him.” Kerrigan set her foot in his hand and he gave her a boost onto the horse’s back. “I find myself melancholy at saying farewell to him.”
He joined her, taking up the space behind her, and got the horse moving. “Philippa will care for his safety, worry not, wife.”
“I shall try not to worry, but I doubt that is possible, husband.”
He hugged her against him. “One day we shall have wee ones. At least we saved him from his mother’s dagger. I remember her holding it above her head at the abbey.”
Kerrigan squeezed his arm. “I remember that as well, but didn’t consider she’d kill him. I am glad we arrived when we did. A moment or two later and they might have both been dead.”
“Let us enjoy the ride and not think of such woeful events. The weather is fair for our travels and I am pleased to be with you.” He kissed the side of her neck.
She smiled and leaned against him. “I’m sorry, Graeme, I know this trek holds distress for you too. Were you close to your father?”
“My father is the laird and I am his heir that is the extent of our relations. I was closer to my grandda. We spent much time together before he passed. He spoke of his travels and taught me lessons and how to read, of other languages. I miss him and oft wish I had his counsel for he was traveled and wise. I am not pleased to hear my father is ill, and I am concerned my homecoming might cause him problems.”
“Your grandda sounded like an honorable man. I wish I had met him. I shall be by your side, Graeme, and we will see this through together.”
Graeme kept to his thoughts the rest of the afternoon. He thought about the last time he’d seen his father, clan, and land. It wasn’t a joyous parting, and he knew it wouldn’t be a joyous homecoming. His clan would welcome his return as a dog would a flea. If it wasn’t for his father’s imminent death, he would’ve kept his word and not returned until his service was finished. Hopefully the elders would understand and allow his visitation.
By evening they reached the hillier lands of the west. The journey would take a few days, possibly a sennight bared with difficulties. His land lay at least a few hundred miles to the northwest, but the only good thing about their travel was most of it would be done by boat.
Graeme made camp when it grew too dark to travel. After he set a tartan for Kerrigan to lie upon, he took care of his horse, and retrieved the sack of foodstuff the friar gave him. He offered Kerrigan first choice, and she pulled out a hunk of bread. He found another and ate it.
“You’ve been quiet all day. Is there anything I can do or say?”
He finished the bread, settled back, and snuggled beside her. “Nay, I’m sorry I’ve been distracted. Are ye cold?”
“Freezing.”
Graeme needed something to take his mind off their troubles of late. There was nothing better than lovemaking to occupy uneasy thoughts. He removed his tartan, covered them, and got as close to her as he could get.
“Mmm, you’re warm. That feels nice, Graeme.”
“I ken you are cold, but you can get warmer if ye remove your overdress.” He helped her remove it and heard her giggle when his fingers grazed her stomach. The sound lightened him. “I have missed being with you.” He removed his sword and set it close by should intruders come, and he unwrapped the tartan around his waist, and set it behind him.
“And I you.” She pressed her cold hands under his tunic, against his chest, and caused his skin to react with chilled bumps. He helped her remove his tunic, lay back and watched her sweet lips part.
“You are freezing, lass.” He took her hands and blew his hot breath on them. When he’d warmed them enough, he set them back on his chest.
Graeme wanted to kiss her, kiss her long and hot until they were both heated from within. He pressed his mouth against hers and thrust his tongue between her lips until she entwined her tongue with his. The movement of their mouths sent lustful urges to him and he grew hard and ready, but she wasn’t prepared for his onslaught yet.
He moved his mouth to her neck and suckled her skin, taking time to do so until he reached the base of her clavicles. Kerrigan tilted her head and gave him access. He enjoyed her abandonment. With his hand behind her back, he held her in place, and with his other, he fondled her breast. The weighty flesh felt lavish under his hand and he gently squeezed.
She gasped and wiggled closer to him, but he wouldn’t be deterred. He moved his mouth to her nipple, for he hoped to excite her further. Graeme caressed her body until he reached her womanly parts. Using his fingers he rubbed her until she grew moist and ready for him.
“God how ye please me, Kerrigan.” Graeme continued to pleasurer her and delighted in her response. She tilted her head forward and her hair blocked his view of her face, but he heard her pant.
“Graeme, please, cease or I will expire this moment.”
He chuckled, because he too wanted to experience the bliss of joining. Settling her back, he gazed into her eyes. Words weren’t needed for he read her thoughts easily. She wanted him as much as he wanted her. He gently rolled between her legs and settled himself, feeling in awe of the wetness welcoming him. Graeme gritted his teeth and slowly entered her, his member hardened further with each small breach.
Kerrigan pulled his shoulders until he leaned forward and kissed her wet lips. Her womanhood surrendered, and he was finally able to move freely. He thrust and groaned at the pleasure wracking him. With his legs braced, he continued to prod her until she withered beneath him. She murmured words unbeknownst to him for all he could do was concentrate on the sensational desire coursing through his body.
He lifted her legs and spread them farther apart, giving him complete access. Using every ploy he’d ever learned, he thrusted, retreated, pulled almost completely out, and thrust again until she squealed with uninhibited pleas. He kept to the torturous play, and caressed the backs of her thighs, and the fronts, her torso, up to between her breasts. Touching her gave him the ultimate pleasure and further heightened his desire.
“Ah, love, what ye do to me.” Graeme continued to kiss her and when her legs tightened around him, he watched her bonnie face as pleasure overtook her. She firmed her lips and thrashed her head from side to side, thoroughly entranced in the joys of culmination. Her breath rasped with squeals of her surrender. To him there was nothing as grand as watching a woman reach climax.
As much as he wanted to continue to watch her, Graeme felt the stir of his own end. He continued to thrust, desire now rode him. As if his entire body came undone, he shouted his climax and groaned when rivets of pleasure racked him. His legs shook and barely held him in place. Leaning on his elbows, he set his face
against her shoulder, and swore he’d die because his harsh breath would do him in.
“Are you well?” She rubbed his shoulder. “Graeme?”
“I am more than well, lass.”
“Are you certain?”
He lifted his head and grinned. “Aye finer than any man could be. You’re incredible, and aye, just about killed me.”
“It’s nice to know I have that power.” Kerrigan laughed when he squeezed her.
“Let us get rest, wife, for we have a long journey.”
“How can ye sleep after that?”
Graeme moved to her side and pulled her next to him and then threw the tartan over their bodies. “I am exhausted.”
“Sleep well then.” She closed her eyes and within seconds fell asleep.
Graeme smiled because he exhausted her too. He slept lightly, dozing only a few minutes at a time, and listened for danger and sounds within the woods.
Towards morning, he slunk away from Kerrigan to take care of his needs. He only went a few feet into the woods. Hurrying back, he stopped short when he saw her standing by his horse. Her long locks in rivets of sunshine down her back. She turned and peered at him with her bonnie blue eyes. How lovely she looked in the morning light and thoroughly ravished. He’d marked her neck with his kisses and felt a sense of pride and possessiveness. It was strange this feeling, for he’d never been possessive of anyone or anything until now.
He approached and kissed her lips, taking her cheeks in his hands. When he released her, he tilted her face back and saw the shine in her eyes. His sweet lass returned and all the sorrow beheld abated. He was delighted to see the look of joy on her face.
“Are ye ready? We will travel until sunset this eve. By then we should reach the water.”
“What happens then?”
He took the reins. “Do you wish to walk?”
“Aye, that is fine. What happens when we reach the water?”
“We’ll take a boat and head north.”
Kerrigan stopped, turned, and glared. “I know not how to swim, Graeme, I cannot go on a boat. I have never been in water other than streams.”
